10 Things to See and Do at Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles

Driving to Allegretto Vineyard Resort transports guests to a Tuscany, Italy wine experience. The hilltop European looking estate is located on acres of picturesque hills lined with Malbec, Tannat, Viognier, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes growing on vines.

After spending 24 hours wandering and experiencing the amenities, here are 10 reasons why I will go back to Allegretto Vineyard Resort:

1. Step inside the luxury lobby featuring a grand staircase, to check-in and receive a glass of 2017 Italian Primitivo wine from the jovial General Manager Richard Verruni.

2. The owner Doug Ayres displays his beautiful antique furniture and museum-quality art throughout the property. Guests staying overnight on the weekend can take an art tour to learn more about the beautiful paintings, statues and wood pieces collected throughout the owners travels around the world.

3. Walking through the olive tree courtyard, you will pass the onsite wine tasting room before opening the door into one of the 171 guest rooms and suites. Resort guests receive a $10 discount tasting experience. Learn about the two vineyards that produce five different wines. Purchase two bottles and the tasting fee is waived.

4. Ayres made sure each guest rooms and suites were designed as a calm and soothing sanctuary in golds and jewel colors. Luxury features include 14′ ceilings, King size Ayres Celestial sleeper bed, plush bathrobes and slippers. Some of the rooms also offer a semi-private terrazzo with two chairs and a table.

5. Cello Ristorante & Bar offers indoor and outdoor dining experiences starting at breakfast throughout the day into the dinner hour. The creative rustic Northern Italian cuisine is prepared using regionally foraged and farmed salads, pastas, and proteins. There is an extensive domestic and international wine list, plus garden-to-glass cocktails and craft beers pair nicely with distinctive and flavorful dishes.

6. Rent a Cabana at the pool located in the back of the resort next to acres of grapevines. The heated swimming pool and multi-jet hot tub are next to six cabanas with two chaise lounges, and relaxing lounge sectional furniture for couples and families to have a little social distance, privacy, shade and comfort at the pool. Cabana service from the poolside bar is available seasonally in warm months.

7. Take a morning Vineyard Tour Walk to learn about the owner of Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Douglas Ayres. Years ago when he visited Paso Robles, he was enchanted by the beauty of the fertile land, as well as the warmth of the people and the potential of this wine region. Purchasing almost 30 acres in two different areas of the region, he planted 5 different varietals in his vineyards to make award-winning, world-class wines. He built a home for his family in the Willow Creek area and later developed this destination-driven wine country resort. After the tour, participants have an opportunity to taste some of the wines.

8. Spend time outside in the gardens. Ayres is a spiritual man and is known to listen to his grapes to know when it’s the exact time to harvest. He encourages his guests to awaken their senses with music. Guests can hear a live singer sing ballads in the lobby, and instrumental background music outside on the dining terrace. He also installed the “World’s First Sonic Labyrinth,” a sound circle designed to provide guests with a circular walking path that sets off distinctive soft tones with each step. The sounds are created by wind instruments that can deepen wellness by compelling guests to slow their pace, free their mind, and enjoy the surrounding beauty of plants, olive trees and lavender.

9. Visit the onsite French-inspired glass stained window Abbey. This non-denominational chapel is an ideal spot for a wedding or vow renewal. At certain times of the day when the sun hits the colored glass, it projects beautiful colors on the walls and flooring.

10. Take a spin on complimentary bicycles through vineyards and along a paved road into the historic town for lunch at Thomas Hill Organics. Known for it’s dynamic creative organic menu using regionally-produced food. The owners showcase Central California’s produce, farms and coastal seafood. They purchase poultry, fish, grass-fed beef, lamb and exotic meats from local purveyors. Their Cubano sandwich featured roasted pork belly, smoked pork loin, melted Swiss cheese and dill pickles on delicious panini bread crafted by local bakers. Their desserts are spectacular.

Heighten your senses and renew your spirit while staying at Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles.

 

Feature photo courtesy of Allegretto Vineyard Resort